Public Works prepares to repair schools

Feb. 17, 2015
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Sanchez High first: Guam Department of Education Superintendent Jon Fernandez, left, shows Department of Public Works Director Glenn Leon Guerrero areas of concern on the roof of Simon Sanchez High School yesterday in preparation for renovation and new construction expected at the campus. Malorie Paine/Pacific Daily News/mbpaine@guampdn.com

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Malorie Paine

Pacific Daily News

The Guam Department of Education, the Department of Public Works and representatives from the attorney general's office yesterday visited Simon Sanchez High School in preparation for $100 million in repairs across the whole school system.

DPW Director Glenn Leon Guerrero said purpose of the visit was to get an idea of the scope of work needed at the campus. A request for proposals for the project is scheduled to be issued in March.

"The reason we are going with an RFP instead of an invitation to bid is because we want contractors to present us with concepts," Leon Guerrero said. "We're looking for experienced contractors who have experience with school facilities."

The $100 million is authorized under a law that allows a leaseback program for schools in need of major renovations or construction.

The law would allow a landlord to take over schools in need of major repairs, and then Guam DOE would lease the schools until they are paid for.

The total cost of renovation and new construction at Simon Sanchez won't be known until contractors submit their proposals.

Top priority

Guam DOE Superintendent Jon Fernandez said Simon Sanchez is at the top of the priority list.

"The school was shut down for a short time -- about two weeks -- in 2013 to address parent, student and teacher concerns," Fernandez said.

Although the immediate concerns were addressed in 2013, Fernandez said, the school still needs many repairs and likely needs new construction.

Simon Sanchez High new serves around 1,900 students, but Fernandez said the school is expecting to grow by about 200 students, which will require additional classrooms.

"Simon Sanchez doesn't currently have athletic facilities," Fernandez said. "They only have an old gym, but they do not have a track or football field."

The renovations will likely include sports facilities, he said.

Initial RFP stalled

The first RFP was sent out last summer, but it was rescinded in November after several concerns were raised byLeonardo Rapadas, who was attorney general at the time.

The concerns have been addressed, but with changing leadership at both the AG's office and Public Works, the process has taken some time to get in order, Fernandez said.

DPW is in charge of managing the RFP, and the AG's office is responsible for signing off on it.

Leon Guerrero said his department will give the RFP to the AG's office by the end of the month.